Set amidst the Shivalik Ranges in Punjab, this beautiful Fort was constructed in the Year 1733 and is one of the rarest fort ever built in Punjab that is still preserved in most of its former glory.
Located 60 kms from Chandigarh near Ropar, Deep Root Retreat, Bharatgarh today offers a magical Heritage Home-stay experience. It is also the first heritage property in Punjab, that has been opened for public stay. Sleep on a four posted bed, wake up to misty mornings, lounge on the antique sofa, look at the art gallery and simply unwind by taking a walk in the green fields.
This Heritage property belongs to the Phulkian Family, who still own, manage and run the place and call it their home too. ‘Phulkian’ are Jat-Sikhs and are descents of King Rawal Jaisal who was the King of Jaisalmer during the 12th Century. Some also trace back to their ancestors that belonged to Yadu Bhatti Rajput of the Chandra Vanshi Clan. Learn More The current owners Sardar Deepinder Singh and his wife Maninder Kaur reside on the other side of the fort which is their private quarters and there are the 9 generation that are living here in this lovely Fort!
The property is spread across more than 70 acres and offers you a relaxing, calm atmosphere to soak in the endless lush green farmland of Punjab, little rugged ravines located at one corner while there’s a canal that flows right next to the fort area! The staff is courteous and friendly and will plan up village walks, culture tours and treks to the nearby hills. And if you are in Punjab, the Food Paradise of India, you can never complain about food. The meals offered are homely and deliciously prepared and uses organic vegetables directly from the farms and the hosts take extra care to make your stay as special and comfortable as possible.
The Deep Roots Heritage Home-stay offers you 8 aesthetically designed rooms that have been restored keeping in mind the original heritage architecture and style. The bookings can be made only online or over a call. Tariffs: 6500-7500/- INR includes Breakfast They have special discounted offers during Summer and Monsoon season.
Ropar, today is also referred as ‘Rupnagar’ and is an ancient town that was once a vital part of the Harappan Civilization and many archaeological evidences including numerous kinds of artifacts have been found here. Ropar is also the place where the historic meeting between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord Willam Bentinck, the Governor General of India took place. It was here ar Ropar on the Bank of Satluj under a pipal tree on 26th October, 1831, that the treaty was signed.
Ropar is also centrally located incase you are travelling towards Himachal Pradesh and the most famous tourist destinations nearby are:
1. Anandpur Sahib: ‘Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib’ is one of the major complexes of shrines at Anandpur Sahib. The attraction is also praised for being the birthplace of ‘Khalsa’. The site is also recognized as one of the 5 sacred seats or ‘Takhats’ of Sikh religion.
Holla Mohalla of Anandpur Sahib
Is quite a famous celebration for Sikhs and is held during the festival of Holi. It is enlisted among the International Festivals of the world and thousands of devotes from far off places visit Anandpur Sahid to be part of this grand event.
The Nihangs carry a huge procession from headquaters of Nihangs to the Lohgarh fort. This festival is a display of masculine side of the Sikhism and here you get to witness mock wars and martial arts.
2016 Holla Mohalla Dates:
Friday March 25-Sunday March 27, 2016
Other activities and events include tent-pegging, sword wielding, jousting and other war-like sports that are performed by Nihangs (the Descendents of Guru Gobind Singh).
2. Kiratpur Sahib: Established in 1627 by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (6th Guru), this religious place of worship is situated on the banks of River Sutlej.
Kiratpur is about 30 Kms from Ropar (Rupnagar) and 90 Kms from Chandigarh. Guru Nanak Dev is said to have visited Kiratpur Sahib when it was little more than a wilderness. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru spent the last few years of his life here. Both Guru Har Rai and Guru Harkrishan were also born at this place and they received the Gurgadi (Guruship) at this place.
Nearby at the Gurudwara Patalpuri, many Sikhs come to spread the ashes of their loved ones in the River Sutlej and offer their prayers. Guru Hargobind in 1644 as well as Guru Har Rai ji in 1661 were cremated here. The ashes of Guru Harkrishan were brought from Delhi and immersed here in 1664.
There is also the Dargah of Baba Budhan Shah which can be visited.
3. Bhakra Nanagal Dam: is located at a distance of 10 kms from Nangal and is one of the highest straight gravity concrete dams in the world. The dam waters (River Satluj) formed a beautiful lake ‘Gobind Sagar’ and offers a lovely sight. named after Guru Gobind Singh. The place is an ideal picnic spot with a small cafe that provides refreshments.
Today there is another dam known as Nangal Dam which is about 1000 feet long and 95 feet high. It was constructed to divert the water into the Nangal Hydel Channel. This too has formed a 6 km lake that is a delight to see. A motorable road links Bhakra with Shimla and Kulu valley via Naina Devi Temple and Bilaspur, opening new route for the Himachal Valley.
4. Ropar Wetlands: these were formed at the time of the construction of the barrage at River Sutlej and is now a habitat for wonderful species of migratory birds, Indian Otter, deer, sambhar and over 35 varieties of fish too.
Ropar Wetlands are located just 8 kms from Ropar-Rupnagar and 70 kms from Chandigarh.
5. Jateshwar Mahadev Temple: is an ancient Shiva Temple and is situated in the village of Jatwahar which is located about 6 kms from village Bains on the Rupnagar-Nurpur Bedi road. The temple dates back to 10-11th Century and was later reconstructed by a local village resident. There is also a mound near the temple which seems to belong to the medieval period.
6. Naina Devi: is located at a distance of 62 Kms from Rupnagar- Ropar and just 24 Kms from Anandpur Sahib and comes under Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh.
Naina Devi is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and this is where the eyes of Maa Sati fell as Lord Shiva preformed the Tandav Dance. Know MORE
Destination Guide
By Road: New Delhi: 295 Kms
Chandigarh: 60 Kms
Ambala: 93 Kms
By Railways: Train No: 64515 – Ambala Nangaldam Passenger stops at Bharatgarh
By Airways: The nearest airport is Chandigarh at a distance of 52 Kms.
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I never thought of going to Ropar. But, you can get so many surprises in India!
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Yes Indeed, INDIA does surprise you and just when you think you have known all, there comes a place which is truly fascinating yet simply elegant 🙂 stay tuned in as coming up with more interesting places soon.
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